As every loyal Mantel reader knows, collecting isn’t limited to cards. From bobbleheads to bananas, One Piece to Lids’ collab with ghostwrite, if a show, sport, or cultural moment has a following, there are sure to be collectibles, too.
That’s why it’s no surprise that cardboard has the same appeal to hip-hop heads as it does for Heat fans.
Trading cards celebrating beats, rhymes, and life have been mainstream since the debut of 1991’s Rap Pack and Yo! MTV Raps trading cards, but Topps and Panini have failed to capitalize on the genre’s boom over the last few decades, creating a rare void in the market. That’s where artists like Robin Winchell have stepped in.
Those lucky enough to have stumbled upon RWA Trading Cards will find sports/Pokemon-themed cards for rappers like Mac Miller, 50 Cent, J Cole, MF Doom, and Eminem, as well artfully designed Pokemon creations, including a Pikachu x Obi-Wan Kenobi crossover that’s sure to elicit strong opinions among followers of the force.
Mantel recently spoke to the innovative artist behind RWA Trading Cards about his journey, his work for Card Vault by Tom Brady, and what’s next for the exciting young brand.
For those that aren’t familiar with RWA Trading Cards, what do you make and what sets you apart?
RWA Trading Cards is an independent trading card company that creates premium, collectible cards inspired by music, sports, and pop culture. The idea is to bridge the gap of what is already out there and what people want.
How did you get into creating cards?
It started as a creative outlet. I wanted to make the kinds of cards that I wished existed in the hobby. That eventually evolved into building an actual brand, and creating products that not only myself would like, but other collectors would appreciate.
What artists are you looking forward to creating cards for next?
There’s not really a specific card that I’m looking forward to. I think developing an entire set is what I’m looking forward to most. Not just one-off’s but a collection.
What has the reception been like from the artists you’ve created cards for?
The response has honestly been amazing. There will always be people that don’t like what you’re doing but I concentrate on all the good feedback. I think people enjoy that I create something that is missing from the hobby.
Talk to me about the idea behind your collections. How do you manage everything from the drop cadence to creating a cohesive set?
Take the Cypher Collection, my main music series. It’s a collection that features the artists who have had a huge impact on hip-hop. What makes the Cypher Collection unique is that it is an ongoing series rather than an isolated release. Every artist becomes part of a larger set, with a consistent design that makes the collection come together while allowing each card to reflect the personality and influence of the featured musician.
On that note, what’s the process of creating a card like? And even though these cards are limited, how do you ensure quality when making a product that’s more mass?
The process isn’t really a process at all if I have to be honest. I’m around cards all day and those give me inspiration for new cards. Every card is hand made by myself, or printed professionally. No card leaves without it being perfect in my eyes. I pride myself on my quality and even the smallest flaw means it doesn’t get sent out.
The RWA Trading Cards site mentions a rebrand. What did that involve, and what do those changes mean for collectors / fans of your product?
I started off just putting cards out on Etsy. I had the idea to turn this into something more when I saw the reception that I was getting. The rebrand included changing the name to RWA Trading Cards, and designing a full brand, logos, patterns and a consistent look between all designs.
It looks like your day job is working as a videographer for Card Vault by Tom Brady. What’s that been like, and what has it taught you about The Hobby?
My day job is amazing! For someone that loves cards and the hobby, it’s the perfect place. I’m around cards all day, and I draw inspiration for my own cards at every turn. At the same time, I try to keep them both separate from one another. It definitely has taught me about the business as a whole and what it takes to make it. What people like, what they don’t like and the quality people expect.
How has your time at Card Vault by Tom Brady shaped your experience as a card creator?
I’m around cards all day. I see all the new releases, the designs, and what people like. I take that knowledge and apply it to the cards that I create. I get to see firsthand what people value in the hobby. Design and presentation to rarity and the experience of opening a product. That constant exposure helps me make better creative decisions.
What’s next for RWA Trading Cards?
The goal has always been bigger than making individual cards. I want to continue building this and making it a known brand in the collectible space. That means expanding my collections, collaborating with more artists and creators, experimenting with new formats and continuing to make my cards better and better. At the same time, I never want to lose what got me here in the first place, a genuine passion for collecting and creating products that people are excited to own.
